ShareAB 1998 (Brownley), legislation to enact the nation's first ban on plastic grocery bags, was taken up by the Senate Appropriations Committee today and referred to the Senate Rules committee for consideration of further amendments. If amendments are agreed to, a Senate floor vote, could come as early as next week. Opposition from the plastics industry has intensified. One Texas-based plastic bag manufacturer, Hilex Poly, has hired former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez to oppose the bill.